2:17pm:The Rangers signed Kinsler for near the minimum for ’08, which doesn’t really affect the long-term discussions.
10:40am:According to Anthony Andro of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers have made little progress on a long-term deal with second baseman Ian Kinsler. Jon Daniels was positive about it, however.
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News does see progress – he spoke to Kinsler and learned that talks for a five-year pact are ongoing. A sixth-year option could be included as well.
Kinsler has two years of service time, so a five-year deal would buy out one year of free agency. Grant believes a five-year deal for Kinsler would be for less than the $30MM Robinson Cano received. Kinsler, 25, has a career line of .274/.351/.447 in 250 games. The average AL second baseman hit .284/.339/.416 last year. Kinsler’s probably not among the top ten defensively at his position, if you go by the Fielding Bible awards.
